Park Ridge Police to Host Tenth National Night Out

On Tuesday, August 5, 2014, the Park Ridge Police Department will join forces with thousands of communities nationwide for the “31st Annual National Night Out” (NNO) crime and drug prevention event. This will be the department’s tenth year participating. The Honorary Master of Ceremonies will be the Park Ridge Park District in honor of their 100 year celebration.

National Night Out is “America’s Night Out Against Crime”. It is an effort to heighten crime and drug awareness and strengthen neighborhood spirit and law enforcement community partnerships. National Night Out is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW) and is co-sponsored by the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance and the Park Ridge Police Department. NNO 2013 involved over 37.8 million people in 16,242 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities, and military bases worldwide. National Night Out 2014 is expected to be the largest ever. NATW’s Executive Director, Matt Peskin, describes NNO as “.. a wonderful opportunity for communities nationwide to promote police-community partnerships, crime prevention, and neighborhood camaraderie. While the one night is certainly not an answer to crime, drugs and violence, National Night Out represents the kind of spirit, energy and determination to help make neighborhoods a safer place year round. The night celebrates safety and crime prevention successes and works to expand and strengthen programs for the next 364 days.”

This event provides residents with an opportunity to meet police officers, talk with their neighbors, strengthen the community, learn about safety and fight crime. The Park Ridge Police have, again, organized a free, fun-filled evening complete with crime prevention informational booths, children’s games and activities including a petting zoo, dunk-a-cop, donut eating contest, train rides or attendees can just dance the night away with our DJ. In addition, take a tour of the police department and enter our free raffle for a chance to win fun prizes. Let’s give crime a “going away” party!

The Park Ridge Police Department will be sponsoring this event on Tuesday, August 5th in Hodges Park (located in front of City Hall) from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm. Residents are asked to turn on their porch lights to support National Night Out from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm.